Books read in 2021: No. 27 -- Ravenheart

by David Gemmell

Started: July 22

Finished: August 9

Notes: It's been far too long since I've read any Gemmell, so now it's time to get back to him.

Mini review: This might be my favorite Gemmell novel yet. Though it is fantasy, I tell you it read like Scottish history, and I had to keep reminding myself that I was reading fantasy and not historical fiction. There are other Rigante novels and I will have to check them out for sure.

Beer of the Week: Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale

Beer score: 9.0

Company: Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

ABV: 8.2
IBU: NA

From my hometown of Lexington, Kentucky, this one has been a favorite beer of mine for some time now.

Pours a medium gold color with hints of red. Smells a tad bit grassy with some definite hints of bourbon.

You'll get a little of the bourbon flavor in drinking this, but not enough to overpower the drink. Has very little sweetness but a light bitterness and some fine froth. The caramel malts are excellent here, just about perfect. Quite smooth. There might be a little vanilla in the back of the flavors of this one, but it's barely there.

The price is not cheap, but it's worth it.

Gangbusters the RPG

This week over at Blackgate I take a look back at the Gangbusters tabletop RPG from TSR.

GalaxyCon Raleigh 2021

This week at Rogue Blades, I talk a little about my experience as an exhibitor at GalaxyCon Raleigh 2021.

Beer of the Week: Petty Thieves Dead Reflection

Beer score: 8.1

Company: Petty Thieves Brewing Co.

ABV: 6.8
IBU: NA

A friend of a friend is related to one of the owners of this new brewing company in Charlotte, NC, so I was fortunate enough to be gifted with a few beers from these folks.

This helles bock pours a slightly dark gold color which is followed a scent that's light and a little sweet with hints of malty goodness and just a touch of hops.

Drinking this one, at first it's got a light sweetness and it goes down pretty smooth, reminding me somewhat of spring and summer ales. That sweetness is soon replaced by a light bitter texture that lingers on the tongue and grows a bit the more you drink. There's perhaps the barest hint of citrus way in the back of the taste on this one, and I wouldn't be offended by dropping a lime or even orange slice into this beer.

Is this one worth trying? Uh, hell yeah!

Helping out at GalaxyCon

Over at Rogue Blades I mention that I'll be helping out at a booth at GalaxyCon in Raleigh, NC, this weekend.

Beer of the Week: Sierra Nevada Stout

Beer score: 7.2

Company: Sierra Nevada

ABV: 5.8
IBU: 50

Like many a good stout, this one pours a dark brown almost black and has a smooth, foamy tan head to it. The smell reminds one of coffee and perhaps a little chocolate.

To the taste, this one has a lot of heavy maple and molasses textures. It's strong, but not as heavy as many stouts. Still, it's also very bitter.

If you're a stout drinker, this should be for you. However, this isn't for beginners.